Gerontology ThesesCopyright (c) 2015 Georgia State University All rights reserved.http://scholarworks.gsu.edu/gerontology_theses
Recent documents in Gerontology Thesesen-usFri, 13 Feb 2015 07:50:39 PST3600Evaluation of the LaughActive Program: A Pilot Studyhttp://scholarworks.gsu.edu/gerontology_theses/38
http://scholarworks.gsu.edu/gerontology_theses/38Thu, 04 Dec 2014 12:30:43 PST
Despite health benefits of physical activity (PA) and risks of physical inactivity, many older adults do not accumulate sufficient levels of PA to achieve associated health benefits. Lack of PA enjoyment may be a barrier to PA participation. This pilot study posited that by combining endurance-enhancing laughter yoga exercises with a moderate-intensity strength, balance, and flexibility PA program, LaughActive would increase health and self-efficacy for PA among older adults residing in 4 assisted living facilities (ALFs). The 12-week wait list control study used pre- and 6-week post-intervention comparisons among and between groups (n=27) who participated in twice-weekly LaughActive classes. Significant improvements (p < .05 - .10) were observed in mental health (SF-36v2®), aerobic endurance (SFT), and self-efficacy (OEE). Further well-designed research is needed to demonstrate the effectiveness of laughter-enhanced PA programs in achieving health and self-efficacy for PA outcomes among older adult populations.
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Celeste M. GreeneAge, Health, and Driving Ability: Perceptions of Older Adultshttp://scholarworks.gsu.edu/gerontology_theses/37
http://scholarworks.gsu.edu/gerontology_theses/37Wed, 03 Dec 2014 10:45:44 PST
This paper presents the results of a focus group study exploring older individuals' perceptions of older drivers. The study extends the stereotype research of Joanisse, Gagnon, and Voloaca (2012b), further investigating the terms used to describe older drivers. Also explored were the ways older adults perceive age versus health in their considerations of driving. Three focus groups (N=24) were conducted with former and current drivers, 64 years and older, living in Asheville, North Carolina. Participants showed positivity in their descriptions of older drivers as "slow" and "cautious" and believed they adapted their driving behavior as aging demanded. Participants showed heterogeneity in their acceptance of the health issues that threatened their continued driving ability. The importance of context in understanding stereotypes of older adults is illustrated. Results are discussed in terms of ingroup/outgroup theory in line with the proposed model.
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Celeste SelwynThe Impact of Environmental Factors on Caregiver Perception for Caregiving Dyadshttp://scholarworks.gsu.edu/gerontology_theses/36
http://scholarworks.gsu.edu/gerontology_theses/36Fri, 07 Nov 2014 07:40:40 PST
Data from the CG ASSIST program were evaluated to investigate whether modifying shared environmental factors within caregiving dyads influences caregiver perceptions. Revisions to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) framework for cohabitating care-partners are proposed to emphasize the entwined connections between caregivers and care recipients. Eleven older Veteran care-recipients and their informal caregivers participated in a randomized controlled trial to evaluate whether an in-home training intervention with assistive technology influenced how caregivers perceived the level of assistance they provided and the level of care needed by their care-recipients. Caregivers who received the training (Training Group, n=6) perceived their assistance as more appropriate and more accurately assessed their care-recipient’s needs than caregivers who were not trained (Novice Group, n=5). Though more research is needed, the proposed ICF revisions appear to be a viable framework to illustrate complex interactions within cohabitating caregiving dyads.
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Ashley HarrillThe relationship between the ownership of elder care homes and quality of care in urban Chinahttp://scholarworks.gsu.edu/gerontology_theses/35
http://scholarworks.gsu.edu/gerontology_theses/35Wed, 20 Nov 2013 12:55:35 PST
Traditional familial care has been challenged due to the reduction of family size and increased mobility of the Chinese population. Institutional elder care is increasingly becoming an alternative to familial care. This study explores the relationship between ownership of elder care home and care quality, using data collected in 2010 from 157 homes in Tianjin. Two hypotheses were proposed for the study: 1) There is a difference between government and non government-owned facilities in facility characteristics; 2) Government-owned facilities have better care quality outcomes. The t-test results showed that government-owned elder care homes had advantages in economic resources, staffing and the availability of services. Government-owned facilities reported lower mortality rate compared to non government-owned facilities. Multi-variant regression analysis showed that economic resources—whether funding from the government or high payments from care-recipients in private facilities--are important factors predicting higher levels of care quality. These results indicate that the Chinese government continues to play an important role in institutional long term care; in the meantime, private market is increasing its prominence in the long term care market.
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Yuanfeng XuGeorgiaCares Community Outreach Events: An Evaluationhttp://scholarworks.gsu.edu/gerontology_theses/34
http://scholarworks.gsu.edu/gerontology_theses/34Mon, 26 Nov 2012 08:30:39 PST
Medicare is vital to the health and well-being of many American seniors. However, due to its complexity, beneficiaries often need assistance navigating the federal health insurance system. GeorgiaCares, Georgia’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), provides free and unbiased Medicare information and counseling. The aims of this thesis were to evaluate GeorgiaCares outreach events to discern the social and demographic characteristics of participants and decipher how to best market the events. Participants of nine GeorgiaCares outreach events (n=81) completed anonymous surveys; mixed-methods data analysis revealed the typical participant to be a 71-year-old African American female. Findings suggest an effective way to assist beneficiaries in Medicare-related decisions is through the formation of community partnerships. Suggestions to market outreach events include partnering with churches and grocery stores to disseminate information and enlisting the support of community leaders to overcome barriers of distrust.
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Erin Fisher"Men Don't Talk": Examining the Dynamics of Men's Co-resident Relationships in Assisted Livinghttp://scholarworks.gsu.edu/gerontology_theses/33
http://scholarworks.gsu.edu/gerontology_theses/33Thu, 23 Aug 2012 11:35:51 PDT
Women outnumber men in assisted living (AL). This gender imbalance promotes the feminization of AL settings and affects men’s social experiences, particularly their co-resident relationships. AL research connects peer relationships to resident well-being and suggests gender that influences co-resident interactions. Yet, few studies have specifically examined men’s social experiences in AL. This analysis aimed to: (1) learn how men experience co-resident relationships in AL; and (2) identify the factors shaping these peer relationships. The analysis utilized qualitative data collected from two AL settings. Data collection involved participant observation and informal and formal in-depth interviews. Analysis was informed by principles of Grounded Theory Method and shows high variability in men’s co-resident connections. A range of individual- and facility-level factors promoted or constrained relationship development. Gender remains pivotal in structuring men’s social engagements. Individual- and facility-level factors often intersected with gender and influenced men’s social lives. Ultimately, co-resident relationships are consequential for men in AL.
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Yarkasah P. PayeMind-body exercise and cognitive function: potential approaches to manage cognitive impairment- a meta-analysishttp://scholarworks.gsu.edu/gerontology_theses/32
http://scholarworks.gsu.edu/gerontology_theses/32Mon, 16 Jul 2012 12:46:34 PDT
Cognitive impairment is prevalent among older adults population. It brings restriction to older adults’ lives and bring huge burden to the society. Mind-body exercise has characteristics from both physical exercise and intellectual experience. Moreover, it has potential cognitive benefits to reduce the incidence even reverse cognitive impairment. Using meta-analysis to analyze findings form published research on mind-body exercise, this study will explore whether practicing mind-body exercise is beneficial for the management of cognitive impairment.
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Yin WuExploring the Influence of Functional Status on Older Adults' Social Relationships in Assisted Living Communitieshttp://scholarworks.gsu.edu/gerontology_theses/31
http://scholarworks.gsu.edu/gerontology_theses/31Mon, 16 Jul 2012 12:46:28 PDT
Social relationships can have considerable influence on physical and mental well-being. AL research suggests that other residents are among the most available social contacts and that co-resident relationships can affect life satisfaction, quality of life, and well-being. Although functional status influences social relationships, research has yet to provide an in-depth understanding of how cognitive and physical function affects co-resident relationships in AL. In this thesis, I present an analysis of qualitative data collected over a one-year period in two diverse settings. The thesis addressed: 1) How does functional status influence co-resident relationships? ; and 2) What factors shape its influence? Analysis was guided by principles of Grounded Theory Method. Coming together and pulling apart signifies the key finding that functional status is multi-directional, fluid, and operates in different ways in various situations and across time. Facility and resident –level factors further affect the influence of functional status on co-resident relationships.
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Navtej K. SandhuMarriage and Memory in Older Adultshttp://scholarworks.gsu.edu/gerontology_theses/30
http://scholarworks.gsu.edu/gerontology_theses/30Fri, 13 Jul 2012 11:08:52 PDT
Some loss in memory is considered a part of normal aging; however, there is a considerable heterogeneity in cognitive aging among older adults. Studies show that living arrangements, social interaction, social relationships and size of social network are among the predictors of memory decline for older adults. Moreover, marriage has been associated with physiological health as well as psychological and social well-being. This study has examined the relationship between the marital status and memory performance in older adults. It was hypothesized that (1)being married will be positively related to memory of older adults; (2) participants with larger supportive social network will perform better on memory tests; and (3) that quality of married life will be positively related to memory for married older adults.Results from this study did not support the hypotheses when age was controlled suggesting no relationship between marital status and memory performance.
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Renu KumarAlzheimer's Disease and Intimacy: A Content Analysis of Resources Avaliable through the Alzheimer's Association and the National Institute on Aginghttp://scholarworks.gsu.edu/gerontology_theses/29
http://scholarworks.gsu.edu/gerontology_theses/29Fri, 13 Jul 2012 11:08:49 PDT
An estimated 5.4 million individuals in the United States have Alzheimer’s disease, and the number is expected to rise exponentially over the next 50 years. Content analysis was used to examine the availability and content of online resources accessible through the Alzheimer’s Association and the National Institute on Aging (NIA) that addressed emotional and physical intimacy for a marital unit. The analysis resulted in ten documents from the Alzheimer’s Association’s website, seven from the NIA’s website, and four additional documents produced from external links that met these criteria. Five major themes emerged from these documents regarding the subject of emotional and physical intimacy. These categories included: (a) defining sexuality and intimacy, (b) changes that occur in the relationship due to a dementia diagnosis, (c) reasons for the change in the relationship, (d) responses to a dementia diagnosis, and (e) strategies for managing the changes due to a dementia diagnosis.
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Danelle S. HubbardExamining the validity and reliability of the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale-6 (ABC-6) in a diverse group of older adultshttp://scholarworks.gsu.edu/gerontology_theses/28
http://scholarworks.gsu.edu/gerontology_theses/28Fri, 13 Jul 2012 11:03:53 PDT
Losing confidence in the ability to maintain balance can be more debilitating than a fall. Therefore, considering the importance of measuring balance confidence, the purpose of this study was to examine the validity and reliability of the ABC-6, a shortened version of the ABC-16, among diverse older adults. Participants were 251 diverse (72.1% African Americans, 62.5% low-income, 61% low-education) older adults (M age = 71.2 years, SD = 8.9). Participants volunteered for a falls risk screening which assessed multiple falls risk factors and balance confidence. The ABC-6 had excellent internal consistency reliability, substantial intraclass correlations, significant moderate to large correlations with physical activity, mobility, balance, and total falls risk, the ability to discriminate between fallers and nonfallers, and it was the only significant predictor of total falls risk. The ABC-6 was a valid and reliable measure of balance confidence and is a suitable measure for use among diverse older adults.
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Antonius D. SkipperMen Feel it too: An Examination of Body Image and Disordered Eating among Older Maleshttp://scholarworks.gsu.edu/gerontology_theses/27
http://scholarworks.gsu.edu/gerontology_theses/27Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:57:06 PST
This quantitative study examined body image and disordered eating in older males. Using a series of questionnaires and demographic questions, two research questions were explored: a) What are the characteristics of older males in terms of eating and body image? and b) Are disordered eating behaviors among older males related to dissatisfaction with body image, specifically physical appearance or physical functioning? Paired samples t-tests revealed that older males rated their ideal body figure as significantly smaller than their current figure, t(35) = -5.53, p < .01, which indicates the presence of body dissatisfaction. Twenty percent of participants were found to be at risk for disordered eating attitudes and behaviors. Furthermore, a correlation was found between disordered eating attitudes and body dissatisfaction particularly as it relates to physical appearance, (r(33) = -.486, p < .01).
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Amber S. MeadowsThe Relationship between Stress, Cortisol Reactivity and Memory Performance in Younger and Older Adultshttp://scholarworks.gsu.edu/gerontology_theses/26
http://scholarworks.gsu.edu/gerontology_theses/26Mon, 28 Nov 2011 08:39:13 PST
The purpose of this study was to examine age differences in cortisol reactivity and memory performance in younger and older adults exposed to cognitive stressors. The current study utilized data from the Anxiety, Memory, and Control study (ACME) conducted at Brandeis University. Stress was measured using a subjective assessment of anxiety and cortisol was measured using a saliva sample. Memory performance was measured using both declarative and working memory tasks. The final sample consisted of 28 younger adults (M = 19.8 years, SD = 1.5) and 29 older adults (M = 71.2 years, SD = 6.6). There were significant age differences in cortisol reactivity with older adults showing increases in cortisol and younger adults showing decreases. Cortisol reactivity was not significantly related to memory performance for either age group. Cortisol reactivity did not differentially affect declarative or working memory. The results suggest age and task anxiety are significantly related to memory performance but cortisol reactivity is not.
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Jessica L. PruittDecision-Making Processes of Primary Informal Caregivers Regarding Care Recipients' Moves to Memory Carehttp://scholarworks.gsu.edu/gerontology_theses/25
http://scholarworks.gsu.edu/gerontology_theses/25Fri, 15 Jul 2011 11:27:31 PDT
Most persons with a dementia are cared for in the home by family members who experience a broad and considerable amount of stress and whose caregiving careers may include planning for or initiating moves to memory care units (MCUs). This study examines the decision-making processes of primary informal caregivers regarding their care recipients' moves to MCUs. Grounded theory methods were used to collect and analyze data in two long-term care (LTC) facilities varying in characteristics including capacity, state licensure, fees, and resident profiles. Specific aims are two-fold: 1) advance an understanding of how primary informal caregivers of persons with a dementia made decisions for formal memory care, and 2) identify the important factors related to the decision-making process.
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Vicki J. StanleyComparative Study of the Effects of Tai Chi and Strength Training on Osteoarthritis in Older Adultshttp://scholarworks.gsu.edu/gerontology_theses/24
http://scholarworks.gsu.edu/gerontology_theses/24Fri, 15 Jul 2011 08:08:26 PDT
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disorder and one of the leading causes of disability in elderly. Tai Chi is seen to be effective in relieving symptoms of OA knee joint. The main aim of this study is to design a Tai Chi program and a strength training program for the elderly with knee OA and to compare the effects of these programs on the range of motion, gait, pain and balance. 20 participants age 55 and over were divided into two groups (Tai Chi and Strength training) based on predetermined criteria. Both the groups showed improvement in WOMAC scores, balance and strength following Tai Chi and strength training intervention for 2 months.
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Abhinandan BatraIntergenerational Solidarity and Its Effects on Life Satisfaction Among Chinese Eldershttp://scholarworks.gsu.edu/gerontology_theses/23
http://scholarworks.gsu.edu/gerontology_theses/23Thu, 14 Jul 2011 06:51:19 PDT
This study explores the association between intergenerational relationships and life satisfaction among urban elders in China, with a focus on the emotional dimension of intergenerational solidarity. Individual factors, effects of associational, affectual, functional and structural solidarity were examined by analyzing data collected from the Zhenjiang City Intergenerational Relationship Survey (ZJIRS) in 2007, Jiangsu province, China.

Study results revealed that elders’ marital status, educational background, pension, and self-rated health were closely related to the degree of intergenerational solidarity. A higher level of education, possession of a medical insurance, and better heath condition had a positive relationship with elders’ life satisfaction. Through the comparison of intergenerational exchanges from both parents and children, the study found that Chinese elders had the highest level of life satisfaction when they receive more frequent contacts, financial support, and affection from their children. This study might contribute to the existing body of literature in the overall theoretic understandings of intergenerational solidarity, life satisfaction, as well as the association between specific dimensions of intergenerational solidarity and older adults’ life satisfaction.

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Qi WangKnowledge and Perceptions: Chinese Older Adults' Willingness to Use Institutional Elder Carehttp://scholarworks.gsu.edu/gerontology_theses/22
http://scholarworks.gsu.edu/gerontology_theses/22Thu, 21 Apr 2011 13:05:57 PDT
This study explores explanations for Chinese elders’ willingness or lack of willingness to use institutional care. The data is drawn from a survey over intergenerational relationships and age models conducted in Zhenjiang, China, in 2007. Only the responses of interviewees aged 55 and above (310 males and 318 females) were used in this study. Using zero-order correlation and multi-nominal regression analyses, this study examined the factors associated with Chinese elders’ willingness to use institutional care. Study results reveal that Chinese elders’ confidence in availability of familial care was negatively related to their willingness to use institutional care; elders’ knowledge about and impression on elder care homes were positively associated with their willingness. Male interviewees expressed lower levels of willingness compared to female respondents. This study shows that increased knowledge about elder care institution may increase Chinese elders’ willingness to accept institutional elder care.
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Zhiyu Chen"I Miss My Country, but My World is with My Children": Examining the Family and Social Lives of Older Indian Immigrants in the United Stateshttp://scholarworks.gsu.edu/gerontology_theses/21
http://scholarworks.gsu.edu/gerontology_theses/21Wed, 15 Sep 2010 12:16:03 PDT
Within the context of ongoing social and demographic transformation, including the trend towards globalization, changing patterns of longevity and increasing ethnic diversity, this thesis examines the lives older Asian-Indian immigrants in the United States. To date, much of what little research exists on this group of elders focuses on acculturation and related stress, but there is limited research on the daily life experiences of these older adults, particularly as they pertain to family life, the practice of filial piety, and informal support exchange within their households, as well as their social lives more generally. Informed by two theoretical approaches, Life Course and Symbolic Interactionism, this research examines older immigrants’ social and family lives. The study employs a qualitative approach and involves in-depth semi-structured interviews with 10 older Asian-Indians living in the Atlanta area. To varying degrees, their lives are family-centered. Traditional Indian practices such as filial piety are individualized according to the intersection of American and Indian cultures and family (e.g., structure and history) and personal (e.g., personal resources) influences. Similar influences operate to shape their family and social lives more generally. These findings enhance existing understandings of older immigrants’ lives and illustrate similarities and differences. In doing so, the research provides valuable information that can promote cultural competence for those working with and designing policies and programs for adults in a rapidly aging and increasingly diverse society.
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Karuna SharmaAge Differences in Word Recall Predictionshttp://scholarworks.gsu.edu/gerontology_theses/20
http://scholarworks.gsu.edu/gerontology_theses/20Tue, 01 Jun 2010 12:58:10 PDT
This study examined factors related to word list performance predictions made by younger and older adults. A performance prediction is an estimate made prior to being exposed to the material that is studied for a specific task. The current study examined the age differences in a sample of 59 older adults (M = 76.83 years old, SD = 8.28) and 51 younger adults (M = 21.19 years old, SD = 3.22) on performance predictions for both an immediate and delayed word recall task. Memory self-efficacy and other self-rating measures were not found to influence immediate or delayed predictions. A repeated measures ANOVA revealed that older adults improved in absolute accuracy from immediate to delayed prediction whereas younger adults became less accurate. The results suggest that all metamemory skills do not deteriorate with age, as the older adults were capable of monitoring their memory accurately based on previous performance.
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Amanda Kathryn TrujilloThe Relationship between Subjective Memory and Objective Cognition, Depression, and Anxiety by Dementia Statushttp://scholarworks.gsu.edu/gerontology_theses/19
http://scholarworks.gsu.edu/gerontology_theses/19Tue, 01 Jun 2010 12:04:55 PDT
This secondary data analysis of the Health and Retirement Study – Aging, Demographics, and Memory Study (ADAMS) examines the relationship between subjective cognition and objective performance, depression, and anxiety in cognitive impairment with no dementia (CIND) and dementia. With a cross-sectional design, this study consists of 480 older adults between ages 72-105. Participants completed the Mini-Mental State Examination. The Wechsler Memory Scale- Revised Logical Memory I/II measured memory. Anxiety and depression were measured by the Neuropsychiatric Inventory. Subjective memory was measured by the HRS Self-report Memory and Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly. Independent t-tests and Pearson correlation analysis were employed to determine differences between the dementia and non-dementia groups. Results demonstrated that the CIND group had significantly better general cognition; more severe cognitive/memory problems in the dementia group showed weaker relationships between general cognition and memory performance; anxiety/depression were weakly related in CIND and moderately related in dementia.
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Nia MaLika Reed